Digital Branch of the University of Alaska Fairbanks Oral History Program

Leslie McCartney

Originally from Canada, Leslie McCartney came to Alaska in 2012 and is the Curator of Oral History at Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In this capacity, she oversees Project Jukebox and the oral history collections, develops new oral history projects, conducts oral history interviews, and teaches. Leslie has led a number of oral history projects in several countries. In the Northwest Territories of Canada, she led the Gwich'in Elders Biographies Research Project for the Gwich'in Social and Cultural Institute (GSCI), and then became their Executive Director. In London, England, she led the King's Cross Voices Oral History Project which is now housed within the Camden Local Studies and Archives collections. In Dublin, Ireland, she was the Research Officer for the Trinity Immigration Initiative at the University of Dublin Trinity College.

Leslie helped with the Dangerous Ice Project by being videographer on the March 31, 2012 Tanana River fieldtrip and working on website development.

Leslie McCartney appears in the following new Jukebox projects:

As Interviewer

Roy David, Sr. was interviewed on December 10, 2013 by Barbara Cellarius and Leslie McCartney at the school in Tetlin, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Roy talks about his life growing up in Tetlin following a traditional lifestyle of hunting, fishing and trapping. He talks about the big community garden that used to be in Tetlin as well as the school and some of his favorite teachers. He discusses land use and traplines around Tetlin and connections with Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, while marking areas on a map. Roy also talks about his former use of alcohol and a near fatal hunting accident that turned his life around.

This is a continuation of an interview with Roy David, Sr. on December 10, 2013 by Barbara Cellarius and Leslie McCartney at the school in Tetlin, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Roy talks about hunting, hunting regulations, and changes he has seen in the environment and wildlife. Roy also tells a traditional story about two girls getting lost and suffering the consequences of not listening to advice given to them by Chickadee. He emphasizes the important lesson of this story that shows what can go wrong when you disobey.

Cecil Martin was interviewed on December 11, 2013 by Barbara Cellarius and Leslie McCartney at the tribal council office in Dot Lake, Alaska. In this interview, Cecil talks about his grandfather, Gene Henry, and his hunting, fishing and trapping activities at Batzulnetas, in the upper Copper River area, and around Dot Lake. Cecil shares his memories of his grandfather and his stories, as well as sharing his own fishing experience in the Batzulnetas area. Cecil also talks about his work as a wildlands firefighter and changes that have occurred in the community of Dot Lake.

Alfred and Mildred Jonathan were interviewed on December 11, 2013 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at their home in Tanacross, Alaska. Mildred had to leave for work, so the first half hour of the interview is focused on her. Alfred continues to be interviewed alone, and continues on tape ORAL HISTORY 2013-14-04, PT.2. In this first part of a two part interview, Mildred talks about growing up in a traditional subsistence household where she learned to sew, hunt and trap at a young age. She also talks about teaching the young people, her work at the culture camp, and the importance of passing along this knowledge. Alfred talks about growing up in a large family and living with his grandmother, living off the land by hunting, trapping, and fishing, and the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park's impact on hunting and land use. He also discusses the importance of Native values and identity, and his personal struggle with alcohol.

This is a continuation of the interview with Alfred Jonathan on December 11, 2013 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at his home in Tanacross, Alaska. In the first part of the interview (ORAL HISTORY 2013-14-04, PT.1), Alfred was joined by his wife, Mildred, but she had to leave for work so Alfred continued the interview without her. In this second part of a two part interview, Alfred talks about being sober and recovering from alcoholism, the old community of Mentasta, and the importance of speech making. He discusses changes in the village of Tanacross, in the animals and in the weather. He also talks about subsistence activities in and around Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and the importance of teaching the youth about their culture and the importance of taking pride in their Native identity.

Howard Fix was interviewed on August 6, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius in Northway, Alaska. In this interview, Howard talks about his work in construction in Northway, his experiences hunting, trapping, and fishing in the area, his work building fish wheels, and changes in the weather and seasons that he has observed during his time in Northway.

Tom Teasdale was interviewed on August 5, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at the Northway tribal offices in Northway, Alaska. In this interview, Tom talks about moving to Northway and his work as the pastor of a local church. He also talks about changes in the community of Northway, problems with environmental contamination in the soil and water, and his work as the conservation coordinator for the Northway Village Council.

Lavell Wilson was interviewed on December 13, 2013 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at his home in Tok, Alaska. His wife, Catherine Wilson, also was present at the interview. In this interview, Lavell talks about growing up in Northway, hunting and trapping in the Northway, Nabesna, and Fortymile areas, and changes in the weather he has observed over the years.

Jerry Isaac was interviewed on January 14, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Tanana Chiefs Conference in Fairbanks, Alaska. In the first part of this two part interview, Jerry talks about growing up in Tanacross, the changes in weather and animal populations over time, and his reasons for becoming a community leader.

This is a continuation of the interview of Jerry Isaac on January 14, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Tanana Chiefs Conference in Fairbanks, Alaska. In the second part of this two part interview, Jerry talks about his thoughts on community leadership and his work with the Tribal Council at Tanacross.

Jim Biles was interviewed on September 8, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Leslie McCartney at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Jim had attended the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this first part of a three part interview, Jim discusses his personal background and education, how he entered the U.S. Army, coming to Alaska to work at a Nike Missile Site, and missile launching procedures. He also talks about the 1967 Fairbanks flood and an encounter with a Russian Bear bomber airplane on the radar screen.

This is a continuation of an interview with Jim Biles on September 8, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Leslie McCartney at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In this second part of a three part interview, Jim discusses working relationships amongst the men at the Nike Missile Site, Officer Efficiency Reports (OER), the Nike missiles, and possilbe UFO sightings. He also talks about dealing with the boredom, isolation, and cold of being stationed in Alaska, and running a trapline for recreation.

Dr. Sergei Khrushchev was interviewed on September 4, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. Roger Babler was also present during part of the interview. Dr. Khrushchev was a special guest speaker at the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this first of a two part interview, Dr. Khrushchev discusses his family and early years, Soviet and American relations during the Cold War, and his work with the Soviet missile and space program. He also talks about the arms race during the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, assisting his father, Nikita Khrushchev, with his memoirs, and his own publications.

This is a continuation of an interview with Dr. Sergei Khrushchev on September 4, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Dr. Khrushchev continues to discuss the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Robert (Bob) Wallace was interviewed on September 4, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. Bob was one of the keynote speakers at the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this interview, Bob discusses his 32-year career with the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) from operations officer to Director of the Office of Technical Service where all the gadgets, disguises, false documents, special weapons and covert-communications devices are developed, manufactured and issued to operations officers. He also discusses the shooting down of a Korean airliner by the Russians, the change in technology over his career, coming to Alaska to cold-weather test equipment, and CIA and intellegence activities during the Cold War.

George Wallot was interviewed on September 4, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. George's wife, Teresa, was also present during the interview. At the time of the interview, George was attending the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this first part of a two part interview, George talks about enlisting in the Army, his electronics education, and coming to Alaska to work at a Nike Missile site. He also discusses working in the ordnance shop, upgrades and modifications to the missiles, and the extensive damage that occured at the Site Point Anchorage (A Battery A/4/43) from the 1964 Alaska Earthquake.

This is a continuation of an interview with George Wallot on September 4, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. In this second of a two part interview, George continues to talk about the destruction that occurred at Site Point Anchorage (A Battery A/4/43) from the 1964 Alaska Earthquake and how Donald Dukes, the captain who led the team, managed to complete the dangerous clean up. He reads an account of this experience that he obtained directly from Donald Dukes. George also talks about life at Site Summit Anchorage (B Battery B/3/43) and his career after leaving the Army.

This is a continuation of an interview with Jim Biles on September 8, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Leslie McCartney at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In this third part of a three part interview, Jim describes his duties as an assistant operations officer, missile functions, and the role of the platoon leader. He also tells a story about driving a Jeepster Commando at 72 degrees below zero from the remote missile site into Fairbanks, and reflects on his time in the U.S Army and in Alaska.

Dorothy Roggeveen was interviewed on September 5, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Leslie McCartney at Dorothy's home in Anchorage, Alaska. Dorothy talks about her career in the Women's Army Corps and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers where she met her husband, Adrian Roggeveen, who was an engineer, and about their life in Okinawa, Japan. She discusses how Adrian designed the iconic clamshells that protected radar equipment at Nike Missile Sites around the world by basing the design on Dorothy's oriental fan collection. She also talks about coming to Alaska to work on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline after Adrian's death and her subsequent work in Alaska before retirement.

Mead Treadwell was interviewed on February 21, 2014 by Leslie McCartney in the Dean's Conference Room at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Cameron Eggers, Treadwell's administrative assistant/scheduler was also present during the interview. In this interview, Mead discusses his education and how he came to Alaska, and sets the context of where American politics were during the Cold War. He also discusses natural resource development on the North Slope of Alaska, activities during the Cold War, his involvement with the Friendship Flight between Alaska and Russia in 1988, and ponders historical questions that could be asked about Alaska and the Cold War.

Roger Babler and Ed Hansen were interviewed on September 3, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. Jerry and Phyllis Peet also were present during the interview. At the time of the interview, they were attending the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this interview, Roger and Ed talk about working at the Nike Missile Site Tare (A Battery A/2/562) near Fairbanks, Alaska in 1964, their respective duties, a typical day on the job, the weapons system, radar tracking, and recreational activities. They also talk about the importance of the Nike veteran reunions.

Joe Griffith was interviewed on September 5, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Leslie McCartney at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. Joe was one of the keynote speakers at the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this first part of a two part interview, Joe explains how he went into the Air Force in the early 1960s, his three tours in Vietnam, and how he came to work at the Pentagon in readiness assesment. He also talks about becoming a commander in Alaska, the shooting down of a Korean airliner by the Russians, and reflects how his career was affected by the Cold War.

This is a continuation of an interview with Joe Griffith on September 5, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Leslie McCartney at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Joe talks about the cooperation between the various services in the military, his work as a commander in Alaska, and Alaska's involvement with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). He also talks about his work with the Air Force's 21st Wing, and reflects on his career.

Bob Bishop was interviewed on September 9, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Bob had attended the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this first part of a three part interview, Bob talks about joining the Army, going to Military Police training, coming to Alaska to work at a Nike Missile Site, and learning the skills to become a guard dog handler. He discusses guard patrol duties, the care and training of the dogs, and the clothing they were issued.

This is a continuation of an interview with Bob Bishop on September 9, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In this second part of a three part interview, Bob talks about being a guard dog handler, dealing with mosquitoes while on guard duty, what happened to the dogs when they were retired, dog biting incidents, life in the barracks, and the use of alcohol. He also reflects back on his time in the Army and discusses the Nike veterans reunion.

This is a continuation of an interview with Bob Bishop on September 9, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In this third part of a three part interview, Bob describes a few funny incidents that happened during his time working at the Nike Missile Site near Fairbanks, Alaska. He also discusses alcohol consumption, his experience with the 1964 Alaska Earthquake, trying to make telephone calls, and the military-issue clothing they were given to wear.

Jerry Peet was interviewed on September 3, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. Jerry's wife Phyllis, Ed Hansen, and Roger Babler also were present during the interview. At the time of the interview, Jerry was attending the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In his interview, Jerry talks about being drafted, his training on Nike missile systems, coming to Alaska in 1967, a typical day working at the Site Tare Fairbanks (A Battery A/2/562) Nike Missile Site and experiencing the 1967 Fairbanks flood. He also talks about his career in medical electronics, Nike veteran reunions and reflections on his time in the Army and in Alaska.

Howard and Ruth Rice were interviewed on September 5, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. At the time of the interview, the Rice family was attending the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this first part of a two part interview, Howard and Ruth discuss their background, how they met and married, coming to Alaska, and his responsibilities as a platoon leader at a Nike Missile Site in Anchorage. Ruth also talks about being a military wife in Alaska, what life was like in Anchorage in the 1960s, and living through the 1964 Alaska Earthquake.

This is a continuation of an interview with Howard and Ruth Rice on September 5, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. In this second of a two part interview, Howard and Ruth continue their story about living through the 1964 Alaska Earthquake in Anchorage and the devastation that occurred at Site Point Nike Missile Site (A Battery A/4/43) Anchorage. Howard mentions the clam shells that protected the radar, and reflects back on the stress, responsibility, and routine while working at the Site Summit (B Battery B/4/43). He also discusses the rest of his military career after leaving Alaska, and how meaningful it is to be attending the Nike veterans reunion.

Art and Damaris (Dee) Mortvedt were interviewed on April 3, 2015 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In this first part of a two part interview, Art talks about how he got interested in aviation and learned to be a pilot, and his solo flights to the South Pole and to the North Pole with his airplane, Polar Pumpkin. Dee talks about being the one at home to track his flight and provide logistics and radio support.

This is a continuation of an interview with Art and Damaris (Dee) Mortvedt on April 3, 2015 by Leslie McCartney and Karen Brewster at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. In this second part of a two part interview, Art continues to discuss his Arctic and Antarctic flying adventures. Dee chimes in with her own experiences flying with Art as well as her role at home. They also talk about their wilderness lodge (Peace of Selby Wilderness Lodge) at Selby Lake in the Brooks Range.

Bill English was interviewed on March 29, 2012 by Leslie McCartney at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Bill's long-time friend Sydnor "Syd" Stealey was also present during the interview. Bill lives in Anchorage, Alaska, but due to his life-long connection with the community of Wiseman, he was visiting Fairbanks to participate in a project sponsored by the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Oral History Program/Project Jukebox and the National Park Service to identify material about Wiseman for possible digitization and public access through the Gates of the Arctic Research Portal. In this first part of a two part interview, Bill talks about his family background, growing up in Wiseman, and his career as a pilot, both as a small plane bush pilot and later as a commercial jet pilot with Wien Airlines.

This is a continuation of an interview with Bill English on March 29, 2012 by Leslie McCartney at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Syd Stealey is also present during the interview. In this second part of a two part interview, Bill continues to talk about his career as a pilot, including flying overseas, and his work as a pilot trainer and FAA pilot certifier.

Lyle Cronk was interviewed on August 5, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at his home in Northway, Alaska. In this interview, Lyle talks about working for the Federal Aviation Administration at the airport in Northway, changes in the community, and hunting and trapping in the area and in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. He also talks about gardening, the 2002 Earthquake that damaged the area, and changes in the weather he has observed through the years.

Lorraine Titus was interviewed on August 5, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at the Northway Corporation office in Northway, Alaska. In this interview, Lorraine talks about growing up in Northway, her grandparents, and living a subsistence lifestyle. She also talks about the school in Northway, cultural and language revitalization, local government and business, and changes in the community and the environment.

Daisy Northway was interviewed on August 7, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at her home in Tok, Alaska. In this interview, Daisy talks about her mother, Ellen Felix Demit, her childhood and growing up in a subsistence lifestyle at Healy Lake, Big Gerstle, and Dot Lake. She also talks about changes in the landscape and climate, her work as tribal administrator for the Northway Tribal Council, and her beading activities.

Roy and Avis Sam were interviewed on August 7, 2014 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at their home in Northway, Alaska. In this interview, Roy talks about growing up around Northway and his father's use of the surrounding area for hunting and trapping. He identifies a lot of locations, including their Native names. He also discusses his own trapping, fishing and hunting activities, and changes in the land, weather and animal populations he has witnessed. Roy's wife, Avis, participates in the interview as well, although she does not say much until part way into the interview. She did not want her photo taken. Avis talks about her childhood, hunting and fishing locations, and changes in the weather and life in the village.

Cora Demit was interviewed on April 22, 2015 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at the headquarters of the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge near Tok, Alaska. In this interview, Cora talks about her family background, her childhood, living at fish camp at Charlieskin, and the strong influence of her mother and grandmother. She talks about employment and education, and she also talks about history of use of the Nabesna and Northway areas for travel and trade routes, her Native values and traditions, lessons learned, and the importance of culture.

Lena Charley was interviewed on April 23, 2015 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at her home in Chistochina, Alaska. Jessica Denny, Lena's granddaughter, also participated in the interview. In this interview, Lena talks about growing up living a traditional subsistence lifestyle, learning to hunt, fish and trap, and working as a hunting guide in the Wrangell-St. Elias Mountains. She discusses what she did as a guide, what and where they hunted, and what it was like to be a woman guide when all the clients were men. She also talks about sled dog racing and running the Yukon Quest International Dog Sled Race. Lena tells one story in particular about hunting a black bear by herself and carrying the animal back to camp on her back.

David and Moya James were interviewed on April 22, 2015 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at their home at Mile 1254 of the Alaska Highway near the Alaska/Canada border. In this first part of a two part interview, David talks about working in logging, coming to settle in the Northway area, and living a remote lifestyle. He talks about hunting, trapping, mining, and being a fur buyer. He also talks about changes he has observed in the environment and the wildlife populations. Moya talks about sewing a special dress for her daughter and making quilts.

This is a continuation of the interview with David and Moya James on April 22, 2015 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at their home at Mile 1254 of the Alaska Highway near the Alaska/Canada border. In this second part of a two part interview, Moya talks about her children going to school in Tok, and David talks about fishing, duck and bird hunting, and small game and muskrat hunting. He also talks about changes in the wildlife populations.

Wilson Justin was interviewed on April 23, 2015 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at the offices of the Cheesh’na Tribal Council in Chistochina, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Wilson talks about how he and his family got into the sport hunting guiding business in the Wrangell Mountains. He also talks about changes in the guiding business, competition and cooperation between guides, and marketing the business to attract clients. Finally, Wilson talks about how his family supported establishment of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

This is a continuation of the interview with Wilson Justin on April 23, 2015 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at the offices of the Cheesh’na Tribal Council in Chistochina, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Wilson talks about the effects of climate change on the landscape, on the subsistence lifestyle, and on the wildlife population in his area.

Frank and Sue Entsminger were interviewed on April 22, 2015 by Barbara Cellarius and Leslie McCartney at their home on the Tok Cutoff Road near Tok, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Frank and Sue talk about their personal backgrounds, interest in the outdoors and hunting, and coming to Alaska. They also talk about their hunting, guiding, and trapping, as well as changes in wildlife populations they have observed. Individually, Frank talks about his taxidermy business and becoming a bronze sculptor. Sue talks about earning extra income by selling hand-made fur hats and Native style dresses.

This is a continuation of an interview with Frank and Sue Entsminger on April 22, 2015 by Barbara Cellarius and Leslie McCartney at their home on the Tok Cutoff Road near Tok, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Frank and Sue talk about creation of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, finding ways to make a living, and changes in the nearby communities. They also talk about the guiding business, commercial fishing, trapping, and the various work they've done to be able to keep living their rural lifestyle.

This is a continuation of an interview with Robert "Bob" Raichle on September 14, 2015 by Leslie McCartney in the offices of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) in Anchorage, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Bob talks about impact of the Nike sites on the local community, realizing the significance of working with nuclear warheads, how working at the Nike site was a positive experience, and learning teamwork and leadership skills and applying this to his future career.

Robert "Bob" Raichle was interviewed on September 14, 2015 by Leslie McCartney in the offices of the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC) in Anchorage, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Bob talks about his background, entering the military and getting assigned to the Nike Missile Sites, working at Site Love near Fairbanks, Alaska, and his duties and responsibilities as Battery Commander. He also walks through how a missile firing might go, talks about being evaluated, and how the site was helpful during the 1967 Fairbanks Flood.

As Transcriber

This is an excerpt from a recording of Fred Hupprich speaking at the Pioneer Aviation Museum's public lecture series at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska on January 20, 2015. In this part of the recording, Fred talks about his connection with the famous pilot, Carl Ben Eielson, who flew Fred's pregnant mother from Nenana to Fairbanks so she could have an emergency cesarian to give birth to Fred. Fred also talks about flying with Frank Barr and suffering bleeding ears after a sudden steep descent when flying in bad weather. The full video recording (ORAL HISTORY 2015-01) is available at the Oral History Collection, Alaska and Polar Regions Collections and Archives, Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks.

In this section of the Communities of Memory public storytelling event held at the NANA Museum in Kotzebue, Alaska from February 29 to March 2, 1996, Walter Sampson, Alfred Wells, Sr., Clarence Allen, Sr., and Raymond Coppock read the names of people from communities in the area who served in the military. This was done as a way to honor those who have served. When reviewing the recording in 2016, the local committee in Kotzebue felt that a number of names were left off the original list and requested that some be added. They also acknowledged that there are probably more names that were missed (and others that have served since this recognition done in 1996), and we apologize for any errors of this kind. In addition, since the names were read out loud, it was not always possible to find accurate spellings. We apologize for any errors, and are eager to make any corrections that anyone can provide to us.

Chester Ballot of Kotzebue, Alaska speaks on March 1, 1996 during the Communities of Memory public storytelling event held at the NANA Museum in Kotzebue, Alaska from February 29 to March 2, 1996. He talks about his experience in the military during the Vietnam War, working in communications, being afraid, and coping with the fear by drinking. He also talks about having difficulty when he returned home, and the importance of a support group and talking about things in order to heal.

Walter Sampson, originally from Noorvik, Alaska, speaks on March 1, 1996 during the Communities of Memory public storytelling event held at the NANA Museum in Kotzebue, Alaska from February 29 to March 2, 1996. He talks about his experience in the military during the Vietnam War. He talks about the training, being in battle, and being caught in a large ambush where many people died. He also talks about the hardship of losing a good friend, the emotional trauma of having to kill people, how the war changed him, and the importance of sharing your feelings as a way to heal.

Helen Wells of Kotzebue, Alaska speaks on February 29, 1996 during the Communities of Memory public storytelling event held at the NANA Museum in Kotzebue, Alaska from February 29 to March 2, 1996. She talks about members of the Alaska Territorial Guard training in the villages of Noorvik and Selawik during World War II and what it was like to have blackouts. Helen speaks in Iñupiaq, with Rachel Craig and Ruthie Sampson translating the stories into English.

Leslie McCartney

As Videographer

Roy David, Sr. was interviewed on December 10, 2013 by Barbara Cellarius and Leslie McCartney at the school in Tetlin, Alaska. In this first part of a two part interview, Roy talks about his life growing up in Tetlin following a traditional lifestyle of hunting, fishing and trapping. He talks about the big community garden that used to be in Tetlin as well as the school and some of his favorite teachers. He discusses land use and traplines around Tetlin and connections with Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, while marking areas on a map. Roy also talks about his former use of alcohol and a near fatal hunting accident that turned his life around.

This is a continuation of an interview with Roy David, Sr. on December 10, 2013 by Barbara Cellarius and Leslie McCartney at the school in Tetlin, Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Roy talks about hunting, hunting regulations, and changes he has seen in the environment and wildlife. Roy also tells a traditional story about two girls getting lost and suffering the consequences of not listening to advice given to them by Chickadee. He emphasizes the important lesson of this story that shows what can go wrong when you disobey.

Cecil Martin was interviewed on December 11, 2013 by Barbara Cellarius and Leslie McCartney at the tribal council office in Dot Lake, Alaska. In this interview, Cecil talks about his grandfather, Gene Henry, and his hunting, fishing and trapping activities at Batzulnetas, in the upper Copper River area, and around Dot Lake. Cecil shares his memories of his grandfather and his stories, as well as sharing his own fishing experience in the Batzulnetas area. Cecil also talks about his work as a wildlands firefighter and changes that have occurred in the community of Dot Lake.

Alfred and Mildred Jonathan were interviewed on December 11, 2013 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at their home in Tanacross, Alaska. Mildred had to leave for work, so the first half hour of the interview is focused on her. Alfred continues to be interviewed alone, and continues on tape ORAL HISTORY 2013-14-04, PT.2. In this first part of a two part interview, Mildred talks about growing up in a traditional subsistence household where she learned to sew, hunt and trap at a young age. She also talks about teaching the young people, her work at the culture camp, and the importance of passing along this knowledge. Alfred talks about growing up in a large family and living with his grandmother, living off the land by hunting, trapping, and fishing, and the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park's impact on hunting and land use. He also discusses the importance of Native values and identity, and his personal struggle with alcohol.

This is a continuation of the interview with Alfred Jonathan on December 11, 2013 by Leslie McCartney and Barbara Cellarius at his home in Tanacross, Alaska. In the first part of the interview (ORAL HISTORY 2013-14-04, PT.1), Alfred was joined by his wife, Mildred, but she had to leave for work so Alfred continued the interview without her. In this second part of a two part interview, Alfred talks about being sober and recovering from alcoholism, the old community of Mentasta, and the importance of speech making. He discusses changes in the village of Tanacross, in the animals and in the weather. He also talks about subsistence activities in and around Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, and the importance of teaching the youth about their culture and the importance of taking pride in their Native identity.

Mead Treadwell was interviewed on February 21, 2014 by Leslie McCartney in the Dean's Conference Room at Elmer E. Rasmuson Library at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Cameron Eggers, Treadwell's administrative assistant/scheduler was also present during the interview. In this interview, Mead discusses his education and how he came to Alaska, and sets the context of where American politics were during the Cold War. He also discusses natural resource development on the North Slope of Alaska, activities during the Cold War, his involvement with the Friendship Flight between Alaska and Russia in 1988, and ponders historical questions that could be asked about Alaska and the Cold War.

Joe Griffith was interviewed on September 5, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Leslie McCartney at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. Joe was one of the keynote speakers at the conference "A Cold War, 2014 Alaska Conference and Nike Veterans Reunion" held in Anchorage, Alaska on September 4 and 5, 2014. In this first part of a two part interview, Joe explains how he went into the Air Force in the early 1960s, his three tours in Vietnam, and how he came to work at the Pentagon in readiness assesment. He also talks about becoming a commander in Alaska, the shooting down of a Korean airliner by the Russians, and reflects how his career was affected by the Cold War.

This is a continuation of an interview with Joe Griffith on September 5, 2014 by Karen Brewster and Leslie McCartney at the Captain Cook Hotel in Anchorage Alaska. In this second part of a two part interview, Joe talks about the cooperation between the various services in the military, his work as a commander in Alaska, and Alaska's involvement with the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). He also talks about his work with the Air Force's 21st Wing, and reflects on his career.

This is the first part of a two part recording of Urban Rahoi speaking at the Pioneer Aviation Museum's public lecture series at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska on November 20, 2012. A few days before this recording was made, Urban had passed a physical so he could keep flying at the age of 94. Urban talks about starting his flying career in 1934, learning to fly when he was young, his U.S. Air Force experience during World War II, flying B17s, returning home, and attending college. He then talks about coming to Alaska, working with Jim Magoffin and Al Wright at Interior Airways, getting to know interior Alaska, a rescue on Nome Creek, and crashing his plane in British Columbia after mechanical malfunction and his rescue. He also talks about an airplane crash in Fairbanks without any injuries, the different aircraft that he has flown, problems with flying a Norseman, sabotage of his airplanes in Fairbanks, his lodge on Ptarmigan Lake, his proposed route for the railroad, working as a hunting guide, and different hunting seasons before statehood.

This is the second part of a two part recording of Urban Rahoi speaking at the Pioneer Aviation Museum's public lecture series at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska on November 20, 2012. He talks about about his remote hunting lodge at Partmigan Lake, the different cabins he built at the lodge, and flying B17s during World War II. On May 20, 2013 Urban realized one of his dreams, he flew a B-17 again. To read more about this, click here to vew the article that appeared about this event in the Fairbanks Daily News-Miner.

This is an excerpt from a recording of Fred Hupprich speaking at the Pioneer Aviation Museum's public lecture series at Pioneer Park in Fairbanks, Alaska on January 20, 2015. In this part of the recording, Fred talks about his connection with the famous pilot, Carl Ben Eielson, who flew Fred's pregnant mother from Nenana to Fairbanks so she could have an emergency cesarian to give birth to Fred. Fred also talks about flying with Frank Barr and suffering bleeding ears after a sudden steep descent when flying in bad weather. The full video recording (ORAL HISTORY 2015-01) is available at the Oral History Collection, Alaska and Polar Regions Collections and Archives, Elmer E. Rasmuson Library, University of Alaska Fairbanks.